EU Directive Would Treat IP Infringement as Criminal Offense
In the April session of the European Parliament, the Members voted to give preliminary support to a proposed directive that would require that infringements of intellectual property rights be treated as criminal offenses that could lead to a €300,000 fine and/or 4 years in jail. In addition to fines and possible criminal sentences, the legislation would provide for destruction of property, confiscation of pirated goods, possible closure of the company involved, and a temporary or permanent ban on commercial trading. The proposed sanctions would only apply to those who seek commercial profit and not to private home users. Because the directive would be the first to address criminal sanctions, the vote was close, with 374 Members of Pariament voting for, 278 voting against, and 17 abstaining. The vote was at the first reading stage. The text will now be discussed by ministers from the 27 EU countries. Click here for the EU Parliament announcement of this action.